No Hybrid variant for the 2023 Skoda Karoq range [Update]

Update: ‘Prices’ section updated and ‘TopElectricSUV says’ section added.

The close relative of the VW Tiguan, the Skoda Karoq, received a facelift in 2021 to take it comfortably to the end of its lifecycle. Like the original compact SUV released in 2017, the restyled crossover isn’t available with a hybrid powertrain. It continues to be available without a hybrid option, even with the launch of the 2023 Skoda Karoq series.

“We are making our best-selling SUVs Kodiaq and Karoq fit for the years ahead,” Thomas Schäfer, Skoda’s former CEO, said in his closing speech at Skoda’s annual press conference in March 2021. Electrification is the way forward at Volkswagen Group, and so, central to keeping products “fit for the years ahead.” However, for the Karoq, Skoda is not considering even a basic level of electrification in the first generation.

Exterior

Executing facelifts of popular cars is tricky in general, and for budget models, the revised price shouldn’t budge much. According to a report from Autocar, Oliver Stefani, Head of Design, Skoda, has said that preparing a mid-life update for a car is “a challenge.” The task is not easy, and it demands creativity in plenty, as much of the time there isn’t anything really to fix, yet the market expects something fresh.

The 2023 Skoda Karoq has no extravagant changes and carries over the design of the facelifted model introduced for MY2022. Compared to the pre-facelift model, the facelifted model looks more confident with the wider, hexagonal radiator grille and the new bumper. The narrower headlights featuring LED Matrix technology add sophistication to the SUV, and so do the new alloy wheels with special covers that improve airflow. The aero wheels are similar to those we see on EVs, but don’t expect a Karoq EV to appear in the current generation model. At the rear, a new bumper and slimmer tail lights provide a distinct identity to the car.

Interior

Inside, too, the 2023 Skoda Karoq looks no different from the previous model, in which the main visual change was a new two-spoke steering wheel. A three-spoke steering wheel is still available.

Skoda has used ECO fabric, made of vegan, partially recycled, and recyclable materials, in the 2023 Karoq, carried over from the 2022 model. The same goes for the seat covers made from recycled PET bottles, the electrically operated front passenger seat with a memory function, and the 8-inch Virtual Cockpit mini digital instrument cluster.

Safety

Skoda has introduced a new Travel Assist Package Plus package for the Karoq’s SportLine trim with the MY2023 update. It includes Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Front Assist with emergency braking, Traffic Jam Assist, and Lane Assist. Safety-conscious Karoq customers can even specify a Safety Package, which includes front and rear curtain side airbags and Crew Protect Assist, available for the first time.

Prices

The 2023 Skoda Karoq costs GBP 26,545 onwards, and thus, is pricier than the 2022 model:

Trim	2023 Skoda Karoq Price	2022 Skoda Karoq Price
SE Drive	GBP 26,545	GBP 25,505
SE L	GBP 28,380	GBP 27,340
Sportline	GBP 32,860	GBP 31,820

TopElectricSUV says

The Skoda Karoq might be a great value-for-money compact SUV, it falls short of its potential because of its lack of electrification. As Volkswagen Group and Skoda strive towards decarbonization, and the emission norms in Europe grow tighter, we think some form of electrification will eventually become a reality. By 2025, when it enters its second generation, it should utilize mild-hybrid technology at the very least.

Also Read: Here are the 5 Future Skoda electric car models

2023 Skoda Karoq FAQs

Featured Image Source: Volkswagen Group